Tetris 2 + Bombliss Deep cut
Nintendo Entertainment System · Puzzle
Tetris
Certified classic
| System | Nintendo Entertainment System |
|---|---|
| Released | 1988 (originally 1984) |
| Genre | Puzzle |
| Developer | HiTech Software |
| Publisher | Nintendo |
| Players | 1 player |
| Commitment | Quick session (Under an hour, or endless arcade fun) |
| Series | Tetris |
| Legacy | Certified classic · legacy score 32 |
Tetris is a puzzle game released in 1988 for the Nintendo Entertainment System, developed by HiTech Software and published by Nintendo. This NES release is a port or adaptation of a game that first appeared in 1984.
It landed about 3 years into the NES's life. Other notable NES releases from 1988 include Super Mario Bros. 3, Super Mario Bros. 2 and Final Fantasy II. Among the 49 NES puzzle games in our database, it ranks #1 by legacy score.
It is part of the Tetris series; on the NES you can also try Tetris 2 and Tetris 2 + Bombliss. The series also appears on other systems with Tetris (Genesis) and Tetris (Game Boy).
This is a solo experience: one player, no waiting on anyone else.
Pick it if…
- you want to think and plan
- you have time for a quick session (under an hour, or endless arcade fun)
- you want to experience one of the NES's defining games
Maybe skip it if…
- you want story, exploration or action
- you are looking for something to play with friends
What playing Tetris is like
Puzzle games challenge pattern recognition, planning and quick thinking, from falling-block games to single-screen logic puzzles.
Tip for newcomers: Puzzle games are perfect for short sessions and often have endless or score-attack modes, so they never really end.
Tetris cheats & codes
143 codes on file (Game Genie, Emulator memory codes). Here are a few Game Genie codes to start with:
| Delayed Auto-Fall | TVLOVA |
|---|---|
| Puzzle Area Doesn't Disappear On Pause | TOUZYLTO |
| Must Complete 50 Lines In Game B | AISEGYIZ |
| Must Complete 80 Lines In Game B | EASEGYIZ |
| Faster 'Forced' Fall Rate | PASAUPPE |
| In Game B You Only Need 1 Line | EYSEGYIX |
Tetris walkthroughs & guides
Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Tetris.
If you like Tetris, the Matrix also picks…
Dr. Mario Classic
Clu Clu Land Classic
Yoshi Classic
Adventures of Lolo Classic
Tetris Attack Classic
Adventures of Lolo 2 Classic
Playing NES games today
NES games are short on paper but often famously tough, so expect to replay levels and learn patterns. Many first-party titles are available through Nintendo Switch Online, original cartridges remain easy to find, and you can play backups of games you own in an emulator such as Rec0m88.
Tetris FAQ
When did Tetris come out on the NES?
Tetris was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1988; the original game dates back to 1984.
Who made Tetris?
It was developed by HiTech Software and published by Nintendo.
Is Tetris multiplayer?
No. Tetris is a single-player game.
How long does Tetris take to play?
As a puzzle game, Tetris typically falls into the "Quick session" category: under an hour, or endless arcade fun. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.
Read more about Tetris on Wikipedia. Facts on this page are compiled from the open libretro database and Wikidata; "legacy score" reflects how widely a game is documented across Wikipedia's language editions. Spotted an error? Let us know.